News for 'Ministers of State'

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

Rediff.com24 May 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding changes to US visa and immigration policies, emphasising that legal mobility should not be negatively affected. Rubio acknowledged potential 'bumps' during the transition as the US aims to improve its immigration system.

BJP rigged vote counting in 177 seats, alleges Mamata

BJP rigged vote counting in 177 seats, alleges Mamata

Rediff.com3 days ago

Mamata Banerjee alleges BJP rigged the West Bengal elections and announces plans for a nationwide anti-BJP alliance. She also protests against post-poll violence and arrests of TMC workers.

INDIA bloc may meet next month to chalk out anti-BJP strategy: Mamata

INDIA bloc may meet next month to chalk out anti-BJP strategy: Mamata

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said members of the INDIA bloc were likely to meet in the first week of June to discuss a joint strategy, while asserting that the opposition camp was prepared for a prolonged political battle.

Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar To Host Asian Athletics Events

Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar To Host Asian Athletics Events

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar have been awarded the rights to host the Asian Relays in 2027 and the Asian Indoor Championships in 2028, respectively, marking a significant moment for Indian athletics.

Why ED Raided Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Residences

Why ED Raided Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Residences

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of a money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter, Veena Vijayan.

Why Hakim Is Distancing Himself From Banerjee Property Notices

Why Hakim Is Distancing Himself From Banerjee Property Notices

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Mayor Firhad Hakim has distanced himself from notices issued by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to properties allegedly linked to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, asserting that such matters are handled by the civic body's executive wing.

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The West Bengal government has further scaled down security arrangements for several political leaders, former officials, and other prominent individuals after a review of threat perceptions.

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has directed police to take strict action against the use of loudspeakers beyond permissible sound limits at religious places and events across the state.

CBSE revaluation portal hit by cyberattack, fees spike to Rs 68,000

CBSE revaluation portal hit by cyberattack, fees spike to Rs 68,000

Rediff.com7 days ago

The CBSE revaluation portal experienced a cyber attack, affecting the payment system and leading to unauthorised access for approximately 50 students. The incident caused fee display abnormalities, prompting investigations and system enhancements.

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A team from the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) is investigating allegations of sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail. The investigation was prompted by claims of abuse, pregnancy, and forced abortion, leading to calls for strict action and a high-level probe.

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of its money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter.

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with chief ministers of most states to assess their preparedness and strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Bihar CM Rewards Ishan Kishan For T20 World Cup Win

Bihar CM Rewards Ishan Kishan For T20 World Cup Win

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary felicitated cricketer Ishan Kishan with a cheque of Rs 1 crore for his contribution to India's 2026 T20 World Cup victory. The ceremony took place in Patna, with top officials and Kishan's relatives in attendance.

Rare Albino Deer Spotted In Kaziranga

Rare Albino Deer Spotted In Kaziranga

Rediff.com6 days ago

The pale-coloured hog deer is believed to be affected by albinism, a rare genetic condition characterised by the absence or reduction of melanin pigment in the skin, fur, and eyes.

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.

Tharoor calls full Vande Mataram rendition 'unnecessary'; BJP retorts

Tharoor calls full Vande Mataram rendition 'unnecessary'; BJP retorts

Rediff.com3 days ago

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the necessity of playing all five verses of Vande Mataram at the beginning and end of official events, calling the practice "unnecessary and burdensome". He highlighted the practical difficulties and lack of legal basis for mandating the full version at every function.

Maharashtra Minister Embroiled in Controversy After Video Surfaces

Maharashtra Minister Embroiled in Controversy After Video Surfaces

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal is facing calls for his dismissal after a video showing him with a transperson went viral. The minister claims the video is doctored and a blackmail attempt, while opposition parties demand his sacking for 'obscene and unethical behaviour'.

Coordination with us must to pass Hormuz: Iran FM in Delhi

Coordination with us must to pass Hormuz: Iran FM in Delhi

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all commercial vessels, requiring ships to coordinate with Iranian naval forces due to regional tensions and a US blockade.

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

Rediff.com20 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new border security initiative, including land transfer to the BSF and a 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting infiltrators.

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran is instead working with Oman to establish a mechanism for the safe passage of ships through the Strait.

Pune hooch tragedy claims 14 lives, 8 held; CID to probe case

Pune hooch tragedy claims 14 lives, 8 held; CID to probe case

Rediff.com7 days ago

At least 12 people have died in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Police have arrested eight individuals, including a key bootlegger, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the illegal operation.

Why Bengal Is Removing Salt Lake Stadium Football Sculpture

Why Bengal Is Removing Salt Lake Stadium Football Sculpture

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal government plans to remove the football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and upgrade the venue's infrastructure.

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rode a motorcycle to work following Prime Minister Modi's appeal to cut down fuel consumption amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.

TTV Dhinakaran Demands Strict Action In Coimbatore Murder Case

TTV Dhinakaran Demands Strict Action In Coimbatore Murder Case

Rediff.com23 May 2026

AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran has urged the Tamil Nadu government to take severe action against those responsible for the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore district, highlighting concerns over rising crimes against women and children.

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review preparedness and plans in light of the West Asia conflict, emphasising the importance of national unity and enhanced security measures.

TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh quits party posts after Adhikari meet

TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh quits party posts after Adhikari meet

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned from all organisational posts of the Trinamool Congress, following public expressions of disappointment with the party leadership and attending a meeting against party instructions.

Petrol, diesel price hiked for 3rd time in 10 days

Petrol, diesel price hiked for 3rd time in 10 days

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Petrol price has been increased by 87 paise in Delhi from Rs 98.64 to Rs 99.51 per litre. Diesel rates have gone up by 91 paise from Rs 91.58 to Rs 92.49.

Siddaramaiah Wishes V D Satheesan Success As Kerala CM

Siddaramaiah Wishes V D Satheesan Success As Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated V D Satheesan on being named as the Kerala CM and expressed his desire to work together to protect the shared interests of both states.

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel to discuss the West Asia conflict and explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

US-Iran draft deal proposes immediate ceasefire, sanctions relief

US-Iran draft deal proposes immediate ceasefire, sanctions relief

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A potential agreement between the United States and Iran, including a comprehensive ceasefire and gradual lifting of US sanctions, may be announced soon, according to reports. The agreement aims to de-escalate tensions and establish a framework for resolving disputes.

US-China Rivalry Enters New Phase

US-China Rivalry Enters New Phase

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Beijing summit may have reduced immediate diplomatic uncertainty, but it did not resolve the deeper structural contest between the United States and China. That contest appears likely to define the coming decade, notes Varun Arya.

IAF Evacuates NCC Cadets From Violence-Hit Manipur

IAF Evacuates NCC Cadets From Violence-Hit Manipur

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The swift operation ensured that the cadets would safely reach their destinations in time for their examinations, bringing relief to anxious parents.

2 Cong MLAs to join Vijay cabinet, share power in TN after 59 yrs

2 Cong MLAs to join Vijay cabinet, share power in TN after 59 yrs

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Congress party will join the Tamil Nadu cabinet after a 59-year hiatus, with two of its MLAs set to be sworn in as ministers.

Iran, UAE FMs spar at BRICS meet in Delhi, Lavrov intervenes to cool tempers

Iran, UAE FMs spar at BRICS meet in Delhi, Lavrov intervenes to cool tempers

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Sharp differences between Iran and the UAE over the West Asia conflict were on full display during the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, signalling the challenges the bloc faces in reaching a consensus position on the crisis.

Naidu Focuses On Quantum Tech For Andhra Pradesh's Future

Naidu Focuses On Quantum Tech For Andhra Pradesh's Future

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by emphasising the state's growing quantum technologies ecosystem and the importance of secure digital infrastructure.

Virendra Sachdeva Joins Commonwealth Games Committee

Virendra Sachdeva Joins Commonwealth Games Committee

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has been nominated as a member of the committee on Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad in 2030.

Meghalaya Government To Examine Limestone Mining Objections

Meghalaya Government To Examine Limestone Mining Objections

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has announced that the state government will review objections raised by pressure groups and villagers regarding the proposed limestone mining project in Jaintia Hills district.

Deal vs War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash on Iran in Tense Call

Deal vs War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash on Iran in Tense Call

Rediff.com21 May 2026

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a tense phone call over the future course of the war on Iran, with Washington favouring a deal instead of resuming strikes, according to US media reports.

Bihar CM Rewards Ishan Kishan For T20 World Cup Win

Bihar CM Rewards Ishan Kishan For T20 World Cup Win

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary felicitated Ishan Kishan with a cheque of Rs 1 crore for his contribution to India's 2026 T20 World Cup victory.